Local turtle experts say if this season is anything like last year, records likely will be broken for the number of nests.

“The Panhandle was out of its mind with sea turtles last year,” said Sharon Maxwell with South Walton Turtle Watch, who added that 97 nests were documented. “Our average is between 35 and 40.

“Finally, our hard work in saving these little critters is beginning to pay off and they’re coming back.”

Each year when the water warms, female turtles make their way onto the beach to dig nests in the sand and lay about 100 eggs that resemble ping-pong balls. They then cover the eggs with sand and head back to the water.

Allen McDowell, the sea turtle curator at the Gulfarium, said the large number of nests last year resulted in numerous rescues, including Noel, who is set to be released in the next few weeks.

Hatchlings are easily confused by light and can be hurt by debris on the beach. Florida law prohibits the taking, possession and disturbance of sea turtles, nests or eggs. Protection is also afforded to marine turtle habitat.

“All the turtles that nest here are either endangered, threatened or a species of concern,” said Jim Trifilo, coastal management coordinator for the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department. “Basically, just don’t disturb the turtles. Don’t try to help them in any way. Just let them be.”

Specific authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is required to conduct scientific, conservation or educational activities that involve sea turtles.

Walton County, Santa Rosa County and Destin have adopted lighting ordinances to help keep the hatchlings and their mothers safe during nesting season.

“The best thing I can say is just remember it’s their beach, also,” Maxwell said. “They have no other place to lay their eggs, so if you see a sea turtle on the beach stay in back of it and just call your local authorities.”

Local turtle experts say if this season is anything like last year, records likely will be broken for the number of nests.

“The Panhandle was out of its mind with sea turtles last year,” said Sharon Maxwell with South Walton Turtle Watch, who added that 97 nests were documented. “Our average is between 35 and 40.

“Finally, our hard work in saving these little critters is beginning to pay off and they’re coming back.”

Each year when the water warms, female turtles make their way onto the beach to dig nests in the sand and lay about 100 eggs that resemble ping-pong balls. They then cover the eggs with sand and head back to the water.

Allen McDowell, the sea turtle curator at the Gulfarium, said the large number of nests last year resulted in numerous rescues, including Noel, who is set to be released in the next few weeks.

Hatchlings are easily confused by light and can be hurt by debris on the beach. Florida law prohibits the taking, possession and disturbance of sea turtles, nests or eggs. Protection is also afforded to marine turtle habitat.

“All the turtles that nest here are either endangered, threatened or a species of concern,” said Jim Trifilo, coastal management coordinator for the Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department. “Basically, just don’t disturb the turtles. Don’t try to help them in any way. Just let them be.”

Specific authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is required to conduct scientific, conservation or educational activities that involve sea turtles.

Walton County, Santa Rosa County and Destin have adopted lighting ordinances to help keep the hatchlings and their mothers safe during nesting season.

“The best thing I can say is just remember it’s their beach, also,” Maxwell said. “They have no other place to lay their eggs, so if you see a sea turtle on the beach stay in back of it and just call your local authorities.”